Suspension packaging

Abstract

A package for fragile articles is disclosed and comprises a container that forms a solid polygon and two suspension frames in the container. Each of the frames are formed of a plurality of upright side panels and have at least one dimension that substantially spans and abuts the interior of the container so that each frame is prevented from moving in the container. At least two of said side panels are parallel, and each of which forms an arch, so that the arched parallel side panels are opposite one another. A resilient membrane is attached tightly to the edges of the side panels of each frame, and extends from the base of each arched side across the rise and span of each arched side. The frames are positioned in the container with the membranes in face to face relationship for holding an object suspended therebetween.

That which is claimed is: 
     
       1. A package for fragile articles and comprising: a container that forms a solid polygon and   two suspension frames in said container, each said frame being formed of a plurality of upright side panels and having at least one dimension that substantially spans and abuts the interior of said container so that each said frame is prevented from moving in said container;   at least one of said frames having two parallel side panels, and each of which defines an arch therein, so that said arched parallel side panels are opposite one another, and   a resilient membrane attached tightly to said side panels of each said frame, and extending from the base of the arch of each said arched side panel across portions of the rise and span of the arch of each of said arched side panels; and   said frames being positioned in said container with said resilient membrane in face to face relationship for holding an object suspended therebetween.   
     
     
       2. A package according to claim 1 wherein said resilient membrane comprises a sheet of flexible plastic film. 
     
     
       3. A package according to claim 1 wherein each of said frames includes said arched side panels and wherein said arched side panels in one of said frames are positioned perpendicularly to said arched side panels in the other said frame in said container. 
     
     
       4. A package according to claim 1 wherein said container comprises a solid rectangle. 
     
     
       5. A package according to claim 1 wherein said side panels of each said frame form a rectangle. 
     
     
       6. A package according to claim 1 wherein said frames overlap one another in their face to face relationship in said container so that the respective resilient membranes can wrap an object suspended therebetween. 
     
     
       7. A package according to claim 1 wherein said frames have different dimensions from one another. 
     
     
       8. A package according to claim 7 wherein each of said frames includes said arched side panels and wherein said frames differ in length along said arched sides. 
     
     
       9. A package according to claim 1 wherein said frames further comprise spacer feet for abutting the walls of said container, Said spacer feet extending perpendicularly from at least one side panel at the edge of said side panel opposite the edge of said side panel from which said resilient membrane extends perpendicularly. 
     
     
       10. A package according to claim 2 wherein said container and said parallel sides of said frames are corrugated board. 
     
     
       11. A package according to claim 10 wherein said plastic film is selected from the group consisting of polyurethane and polyvinyl chloride. 
     
     
       12. A suspension frame for packaging fragile objects and comprising: a plurality of upright side panels;   at least two of said side panels being parallel and each of which defines an arch therein so that said arched parallel side panels are opposite one another, and   a resilient membrane attached tightly to said side panels of said frame, and extending from the base of the arch of each said arched side panel across portions of the rise and span of the arch of each of said arched side panels.   
     
     
       13. A suspension frame according to claim 12 wherein said resilient membrane comprises a sheet of flexible plastic film. 
     
     
       14. A suspension frame according to claim 12 wherein said side panels form a rectangle. 
     
     
       15. A suspension frame according to claim 12 wherein said frame further comprises spacer feet for abutting the walls of said container, said spacer feet extending perpendicularly from at least one side panel at the edge of said side panel opposite the edge of said side panel from which said resilient membrane extends perpendicularly. 
     
     
       16. A suspension frame according to claim 13 wherein said side panels of said frames are corrugated board. 
     
     
       17. A suspension frame according to claim 16 wherein said plastic film is selected from the group consisting of polyurethane and polyvinyl chloride. 
     
     
       18. A suspension frame blank for forming a suspension frame for packaging fragile objects, said blank comprising: a substantially rectangular planar sheet of corrugated board;   fold lines in said sheet for defining four flap precursor portions along the four edges of said rectangular sheet;   a central opening defined by said corrugated board sheet, said opening having two parallel side portions and two opposing curved end portions; and   a sheet of flexible plastic film covering said central opening and attached to said planar corrugated board sheet.   
     
     
       19. A suspension frame blank according to claim 18 wherein said parallel side portions of said opening are positioned adjacent two of said fold lines, and wherein said curved end portions extend beyond two of said fold lines. 
     
     
       20. A suspension frame blank according to claim 18 and further comprising a plurality of scored tab precursor patterns formed of respective fold lines and cut lines for forming tabs that hold said blank as a suspension frame when said blank is folded and said tabs are detached along said cut lines and folded. 
     
     
       21. A suspension frame blank according to claim 18 wherein said plastic film is selected from the group consisting of polyurethane and polyvinyl chloride. 
     
     
       22. A suspension frame blank according to claim 18 wherein said corrugated board comprises a corrugated kraft paper sheet lined on each side with flat kraft paper.